Is Emotional Support Animals The Best Way To Treat Chronic Back Pain?

Posted on Wed, 2 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 2 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I have chronic back pain which is caused by my bulging disc in my lower back and upper neck. I have suffered with this for over 6 years now and has really taken a toll on my body. I have talked to so many doctors that have said that there is nothing to do but try to ease the pain. The pain has brought on depression for me these last 2 years of my life. I have always tried to improve my emotional instability but nothing has worked and I'm not a fan of prescription drugs. I have done research and found that an emotional support animal can be a great help so i was wondering if you could help me with this by writing me a note for an emotional support animal.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Note can be given by your physician. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. Emotional support animals (ESA) like dogs and cats are a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit like alleviating or mitigating some symptoms of the disability or pain. It is good way to avoid pain killers and anti depressant medicines. But a note for emotional support animal can be given only after a physical evaluation of the person. It has to be ascertained that you have that kind of disability which can be taken care of by an animal. This can be done by your general physician but you will have to meet him personally. This cannot be done by an online doctor as it is not accepted. Sorry for not being of help at this point of time. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar